BODY: garnet-ruby color, with a little bit of bricking creeping in: this does look older than it actually is; color is of medium-light to medium depth; fine particulate matter present; medium-light to medium bodied.

TASTE: acidic; not much tannin; low concentration of fruit; dried herbs on the finish – marjoram, sage, oregano; black tea; weak red fruits; tart; loosely knit; 13% alc. not noticeable; notes of smoke and tar emerge with air (~5 hours), but these notes are not strong; overall, a rather ho-hum wine.

I don't think it was damaged --- it didn't come across as flawed or damaged; just a weak wine. Most CT notes sound like they're describing the same wine, although there is the usual difference of opinion as to whether it is a good wine or not.

It was sold to me as a "solid Cote Rotie that is drinking well now.", so I kind of knew going in that it might very well be a disappointment (b/c, c'mon, the selling point for a very good 2006 Cote Rotie really shouldn't be "drinking well right now").